KATHMANDU: Lumbini and Ramagram are preparing to welcome more than 10,000 participants from around the world as the World Peace Event III unfolds from December 10–12, bringing renewed attention to Nepal’s spiritual, cultural and tourism significance.

This year’s edition marks the most ambitious gathering yet, with UN cultural ambassadors, global scholars, youth groups, artists, community leaders and international business figures confirming their participation. In a historic first for Nepal, 25 billionaires from the Fortune Generation will arrive together—an unprecedented opportunity to spotlight Nepal as a destination for large-scale investment and cross-sector collaboration. Three former heads of state are also expected to join the event.

The World Peace movement began in 2023 when UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a global peace message from Lumbini. Organizers say the 2025 edition builds on that momentum, placing Nepal’s heritage sites—Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, and Ramagrama, home to the world’s only intact relic stupa—at the heart of a global dialogue on peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

Program highlights

• Over three days, participants will engage in a diverse set of sessions, including:
• High-level panels on peace, climate action, development and social justice
• Youth-led forums and community dialogues on grassroots leadership and peace-building
• Dedicated spaces for women, indigenous groups and marginalized communities
• Cultural performances, music and artistic showcases celebrating Nepal’s creative spirit

The event will culminate on December 12 with a grand Light Offering Ceremony at Ramagrama Stupa, where thousands of lamps will be lit in collective prayers for global peace.

Aligned with the UN’s SDG 16—Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions—the gathering aims to bring policymakers, philanthropists, educators, entrepreneurs and young leaders together to integrate peace-focused approaches into governance, education, investment, climate resilience and everyday community life.

World Peace Event III is organized by The Promised Land Foundation, with key partners including Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal World Youth Federation, Lumbini Cultural Municipality, Lumbini Development Trust and Kathmandu University as the academic partner. A broad coalition of government bodies, civil society groups, youth networks and international institutions are supporting the event.

With thousands arriving to the Buddha’s birthplace and one of Nepal’s most sacred heritage sites, tourism stakeholders expect the gathering to significantly boost Lumbini’s visibility as a global pilgrimage and dialogue destination.